TurfPublicists: NEXT "NEW OWNERS LUNCHEON" AT BIG A SET FOR APRIL 14

**More information about the New Owners Luncheon program is available online at www.nyra.com/newowners**

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Contact: Jenny Kellner

NEXT “NEW OWNERS LUNCHEON” AT BIG A SET FOR APRIL 14

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainers Leah Gyarmati and Jeff Odintz will be among the experts on hand for The New York Racing Association, Inc.’s (NYRA) fifth “New Owners Luncheon” at Aqueduct Racetrack on Saturday, April 14. Initiated at Belmont Park last spring, the program provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of thoroughbred ownership in an effort to bring new owners to the sport of horse racing.

Hosted by former champion jockey Richard Migliore, the event will begin at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast in the Equestris restaurant, followed by presentations and Q&A sessions with Gyarmati and Odintz as well Blue Stork Stable’s Rick Franco, who is also the proprietor of Francos Wine Merchants; representatives from Funky Munky Stable and Whitehall Stable, and bloodstock advisor Tony Kobitz.

In addition, NYRA Raceday host Ernie Munick will conduct a handicapping seminar for the day’s races, which include the 58^th running of the Grade 2, $200,000 Distaff Handicap for fillies and mares.

Throughout the day, guests also will have the opportunity to meet many of the Big A’s leading jockeys, trainers and owners, visit the paddock and participate in a winner’s circle trophy presentation.

Registration fee is $50, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch in Equestris, the above activities, an official racing program and a giveaway bag.

Migliore, who began riding in 1980 and a year later won the Eclipse Award as the nation’s top apprentice, retired in 2010 after winning 4,450 races, including 362 stakes. Twice the leading rider in New York, “The Mig” currently serves as a NYRA racing office associate in addition to his role as a broadcast analyst.

Registration details for the “New Owners Luncheon” are available at www.nyra.com/newowners or by calling Horseman’s Relations at Aqueduct Racetrack, (718) 659-2206.

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